Council for Human and Social Development endorses Caribbean Moves

CARICOM’S Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) has endorsed the Caribbean Moves Framework and Implementation Plan, modelled off Jamaica Moves, which sets out an approach to mitigating against non-communicable diseases (NCDs) that account for some 70 per cent of deaths in the region.

The council is responsible for the promotion of human and social development throughout the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

COHSOD’s leadership and decision-making are instrumental in galvanising national efforts and resources to stem the tide of NCDs. Its endorsement of Caribbean Moves came during the 33rd special meeting of the council, held last week in Dominica.

Health & Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton was in attendance to present on the subject, together with other members of the health team.The meeting was convened at the request of the Caribbean Public Health Agency, whose work on the framework and that of its partners was acknowledged by COHSOD. Also recognised was the work of Tufton in leading the Jamaica Moves initiative, which provides the inspiration for the now Caribbean-wide intervention.

“Jamaica enjoyed pride of place with this initiative as the country that conceptualised this branded behaviour change response to counter the ravages of NCDs caused by lifestyle practices,” Tufton said, following the meeting.

“As a people, we have evolved out of a colonial experience, while increasing globalisation influences our consumption of high levels of ultra-processed foods with excess salts, sugars and fats; alcohol and tobacco; and less-than-adequate physical activity. The consequences of this are rapidly increasing cases of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension and cancers. A response was required,” he added.

INITIATIVES

Jamaica Moves has as its focus the promotion of physical activity, better nutrition and routine health checks as part of the response to the NCDs problem. Likewise, Caribbean Moves – designed primarily to prevent NCDs – focuses on physical activity as well as other facets of healthy living, including healthy diets and health screening. The intention is to provide a ‘whole of society’, socially inclusive and gender-responsive guide for implementation across CARICOM member states, a release from the ministry outlined.

COHSOD, meanwhile, has also supported the inclusion of Caribbean Moves under the current Standard NCD Agenda Item for subsequent COSHOD meetings and has urged member states to find sustainable ways to address NCDs. The council has also welcomed the offer of support from Tufton for the implementation of the various country initiatives.